Mavericks Host 76ers In Early Sunday Action
The Dallas Mavericks will host the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks (34-26) are looking to deliver a bounce-back performance following their 138-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday. Even though Luka Doncic registered his 12th triple-double of the season in that game, the whole team struggled, and a return home might be just what the doctor ordered for Dallas. Even though the Mavs went 1-3 during their four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, the team is also riding a four-game home winning streak at AAC. The Mavericks have gone 18-13 at home this season, so returning to their home confines might be the best scenario for them to leave a woeful road trip behind. For that to happen, Doncic needs to continue playing at his best, and Kyrie Irving needs to continue scoring at a high rate. Irving is averaging a solid 26.9 points, with 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, since the beginning of February. Meanwhile, Doncic has been even better and is averaging a robust 33.7 points, 10.3 assists and 9.8 rebounds per game in that period.
The Mavericks are not listing any injuries ahead of Sunday’s contest.
The 76ers (34-25) remain alive in the playoff race and shouldn’t have problems reaching the postseason as one of the higher-seed teams in the Eastern Conference. However, it’s also not a secret that this team is not nearly as dominant right now as they were when Joel Embiid (knee) was available. The star big man has stated he’s aiming to return to the court before the end of the regular season, but he’s taking his progress on a day-by-day basis. The 76ers have been slumping in recent weeks, too, and they enter this game having one 2-3 over their last five games. They did secure a win over the Charlotte Hornets the last time out, but their losses have come against playoff-caliber teams: the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. On that note, their 15-12 away record at least gives them some kind of hope of getting a positive result here, as this game against Dallas represents the start of a short two-game road trip, though five of their upcoming seven games will be on the road.
Joel Embiid (knee), De’Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee) are out. Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and KJ Martin (ankle) are game-time calls for Sunday’s game.
The Mavericks (34-26) are looking to deliver a bounce-back performance following their 138-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday. Even though Luka Doncic registered his 12th triple-double of the season in that game, the whole team struggled, and a return home might be just what the doctor ordered for Dallas. Even though the Mavs went 1-3 during their four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, the team is also riding a four-game home winning streak at AAC. The Mavericks have gone 18-13 at home this season, so returning to their home confines might be the best scenario for them to leave a woeful road trip behind. For that to happen, Doncic needs to continue playing at his best, and Kyrie Irving needs to continue scoring at a high rate. Irving is averaging a solid 26.9 points, with 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, since the beginning of February. Meanwhile, Doncic has been even better and is averaging a robust 33.7 points, 10.3 assists and 9.8 rebounds per game in that period.
The Mavericks are not listing any injuries ahead of Sunday’s contest.
The 76ers (34-25) remain alive in the playoff race and shouldn’t have problems reaching the postseason as one of the higher-seed teams in the Eastern Conference. However, it’s also not a secret that this team is not nearly as dominant right now as they were when Joel Embiid (knee) was available. The star big man has stated he’s aiming to return to the court before the end of the regular season, but he’s taking his progress on a day-by-day basis. The 76ers have been slumping in recent weeks, too, and they enter this game having one 2-3 over their last five games. They did secure a win over the Charlotte Hornets the last time out, but their losses have come against playoff-caliber teams: the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. On that note, their 15-12 away record at least gives them some kind of hope of getting a positive result here, as this game against Dallas represents the start of a short two-game road trip, though five of their upcoming seven games will be on the road.
Joel Embiid (knee), De’Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee) are out. Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and KJ Martin (ankle) are game-time calls for Sunday’s game.
Warriors Travel To Boston To Visit Celtics
The Boston Celtics will host the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (47-12) are the hottest team in the league right now, and there’s a solid argument to say they’re also the unquestionable favorites to win the title. Boston has the league’s best record by a wide margin, but the Celtics also feature the best home record (28-3) and enter this clash against Golden State on a thrilling 10-game winning streak. Their latest win was a 138-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Furthermore, their last five wins have come via double digits, and on that stretch, they’ve also defeated playoff-caliber opponents such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum continues to operate as the alpha dog for Boston. Still, the supporting cast of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis forms one of the best two-way units in the entire Association.
Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps) is questionable to play Sunday. Neemias Queta (knee) has been ruled out.
The Warriors (32-27) are probably going through one of their most productive stretches of the season. If the team continues to play like they’ve done in recent weeks, they might gear up for a decent playoff run in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. As things stand now, the Warriors travel to Boston on the heels of a three-game winning streak following their 120-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Perhaps even more impressive is that all three wins have come on the road, especially since the Warriors own a mere 16-12 mark when playing away from Chase Center. The Warriors’ road trip will end here, and it’s worth noting Golden State has gone 5-1 since the league resumed following the All-Star break. The Warriors will certainly state how they can line up against top contenders in this matchup.
The Warriors have Stephen Curry as questionable due to left knee bursitis, while Brandin Podziemski (knee) and Gui Santos (knee) are also expected to be game-time calls. Andrew Wiggins (personal) remains out.
The Celtics (47-12) are the hottest team in the league right now, and there’s a solid argument to say they’re also the unquestionable favorites to win the title. Boston has the league’s best record by a wide margin, but the Celtics also feature the best home record (28-3) and enter this clash against Golden State on a thrilling 10-game winning streak. Their latest win was a 138-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Furthermore, their last five wins have come via double digits, and on that stretch, they’ve also defeated playoff-caliber opponents such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum continues to operate as the alpha dog for Boston. Still, the supporting cast of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis forms one of the best two-way units in the entire Association.
Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps) is questionable to play Sunday. Neemias Queta (knee) has been ruled out.
The Warriors (32-27) are probably going through one of their most productive stretches of the season. If the team continues to play like they’ve done in recent weeks, they might gear up for a decent playoff run in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. As things stand now, the Warriors travel to Boston on the heels of a three-game winning streak following their 120-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Perhaps even more impressive is that all three wins have come on the road, especially since the Warriors own a mere 16-12 mark when playing away from Chase Center. The Warriors’ road trip will end here, and it’s worth noting Golden State has gone 5-1 since the league resumed following the All-Star break. The Warriors will certainly state how they can line up against top contenders in this matchup.
The Warriors have Stephen Curry as questionable due to left knee bursitis, while Brandin Podziemski (knee) and Gui Santos (knee) are also expected to be game-time calls. Andrew Wiggins (personal) remains out.
Clippers and Timberwolves Battle at Target
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon.
The Clippers (38-20) have been somewhat inconsistent since returning to play after the All-Star break, as they're just 2-3 in that span. However, their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 140-115 score Friday night. James Harden led the Clippers with 28 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds and three blocks. Kawhi Leonard furnished 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Paul George supplied 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Terance Mann and Amir Coffey contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, while tallying three rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers will list Ivica Zubac (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. Russell Westbrook (hand) is out.
The Timberwolves (42-18) went into a Friday night showdown with the Sacramento Kings riding high on a three-game winning streak, but they saw it snapped with a 124-120 loss in overtime. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns managed 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Naz Reid registered 18 points, seven boards, three assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Mike Conley finished with 14 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards managed 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Edwards (ankle) and Kyle Anderson (knee) as questionable for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 series lead.
The Clippers (38-20) have been somewhat inconsistent since returning to play after the All-Star break, as they're just 2-3 in that span. However, their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 140-115 score Friday night. James Harden led the Clippers with 28 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds and three blocks. Kawhi Leonard furnished 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Paul George supplied 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Terance Mann and Amir Coffey contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, while tallying three rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers will list Ivica Zubac (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. Russell Westbrook (hand) is out.
The Timberwolves (42-18) went into a Friday night showdown with the Sacramento Kings riding high on a three-game winning streak, but they saw it snapped with a 124-120 loss in overtime. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 26 points, adding seven rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns managed 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Naz Reid registered 18 points, seven boards, three assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist and three blocks. Mike Conley finished with 14 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Anthony Edwards managed 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Edwards (ankle) and Kyle Anderson (knee) as questionable for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 series lead.
Pistons and Magic Battle in O-Town
The Detroit Pistons take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Pistons (9-50) continue to endure a very difficult season, and they'll enter Sunday's contest with seven losses in their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 110-100 score. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Jaden Ivey recorded 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart turned in 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Ausar Thompson furnished 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Jalen Duren generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
The Pistons will list Marcus Sasser (knee) as probable for Sunday's game.
The Magic (34-26) have been one of the Eastern Conference's most improved teams this season and are on another upswing, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent victory came Thursday night, when they upended the Utah Jazz by a 115-107 score. Paolo Banchero led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs provided 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner supplied 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Moritz Wagner matched his brother's scoring and added 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gary Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Magic come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 3-0 series lead.
The Pistons (9-50) continue to endure a very difficult season, and they'll enter Sunday's contest with seven losses in their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 110-100 score. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Jaden Ivey recorded 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Isaiah Stewart turned in 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Ausar Thompson furnished 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Jalen Duren generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block.
The Pistons will list Marcus Sasser (knee) as probable for Sunday's game.
The Magic (34-26) have been one of the Eastern Conference's most improved teams this season and are on another upswing, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent victory came Thursday night, when they upended the Utah Jazz by a 115-107 score. Paolo Banchero led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs provided 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Franz Wagner supplied 14 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Moritz Wagner matched his brother's scoring and added 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gary Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Magic come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 3-0 series lead.
Slumping Raptors Look To Get On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (22-38) are coming off back-to-back losses but will be looking to turn things around on the third game of a four-game home stand. They are, 12-18, at home and have dropped five of their last six games in Toronto. Scottie Barnes (hand) was injured in the last game and will remain out for an indefinite period. As a result, RJ Barrett will have an opportunity take a larger role on the offensive end, while he is already averaging 24.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists over the last three outings. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five outings. Kelly Olynyk has also been playing well lately, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (15-45) have dropped three in a row and hope to end the slide, as they face the second and final game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to add to their, 7-23, road record. Miles Brides is leading the team, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Nick Richards averages 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Tre Mann continues to play well, averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Hornets continue to manage injury trouble, as Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Brandon Miller (back) are listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will remain sidelined.
The Raptors (22-38) are coming off back-to-back losses but will be looking to turn things around on the third game of a four-game home stand. They are, 12-18, at home and have dropped five of their last six games in Toronto. Scottie Barnes (hand) was injured in the last game and will remain out for an indefinite period. As a result, RJ Barrett will have an opportunity take a larger role on the offensive end, while he is already averaging 24.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists over the last three outings. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five outings. Kelly Olynyk has also been playing well lately, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (15-45) have dropped three in a row and hope to end the slide, as they face the second and final game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to add to their, 7-23, road record. Miles Brides is leading the team, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Nick Richards averages 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Tre Mann continues to play well, averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Hornets continue to manage injury trouble, as Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Brandon Miller (back) are listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will remain sidelined.
Cavs Look To Keep Momentum Going At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (39-20) are coming off a win and have won three of their last four games. They are set to kick off a two-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 20-10, home record. They could end up at a disadvantage if Caris LeVert (elbow) or Donovan Mitchell (knee) remain sidelined. Both players missed the last game and remain questionable for action. Darius Garland has been playing well, averaging 17.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.1 steals over the last 10 games. Evan Mobley averages 16.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Jarrett Allen is averaging 15.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (35-25) have dropped two in a row and three of their last four games. They hope to get back on track as they face a one-game trip with a chance to improve on their, 15-14, road record. Jalen Brunson leads the team, averaging 27.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals, while Josh Hart averages 8.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Knicks average 113.6 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.9 points, which is fourth fewest in the league. OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) remain sidelined.
The Cavaliers (39-20) are coming off a win and have won three of their last four games. They are set to kick off a two-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 20-10, home record. They could end up at a disadvantage if Caris LeVert (elbow) or Donovan Mitchell (knee) remain sidelined. Both players missed the last game and remain questionable for action. Darius Garland has been playing well, averaging 17.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.1 steals over the last 10 games. Evan Mobley averages 16.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Jarrett Allen is averaging 15.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (35-25) have dropped two in a row and three of their last four games. They hope to get back on track as they face a one-game trip with a chance to improve on their, 15-14, road record. Jalen Brunson leads the team, averaging 27.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals, while Josh Hart averages 8.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Knicks average 113.6 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.9 points, which is fourth fewest in the league. OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) remain sidelined.
Spurs Host Pacers on Sunday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Indiana Pacers at Frost Bank Center on Sunday.
The Pacers (34-27) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, but their performance on Friday was embarrassing. They lost 129-102 against the New Orleans Pelicans, with the starters sitting most of the second half. Tyrese Haliburton actually went scoreless in that game and it's a testament to how poor they played throughout that blowout defeat. With that said, the Pacers won three of four games before that defeat, climbing up to eighth in the Eastern Conference. What this team really wants to do is avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting 0.5 games behind the Orlando Magic in sixth. They're also just 1.5 games behind the New York Knicks in fourth, so this club can definitely achieve that goal.
The Spurs (12-48) have been the worst team in the Western Conference, sitting four games behind the Portland Trail Blazers in 14th. The Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards have yet to reach 10 wins, meaning San Antonio will likely finish with the third-worst record in the NBA. The pieces are in play for this team to be successful in the future though because Victor Wembanyama has surpassed all of the loefty expectations he had at the beginning of the year. He's one of the best defensive players in his rookie season and is looking like one of the best players in the league. He might be the best player in the NBA as early as next season and it could reset this franchise for the next 20 years as long as he continues to improve.
These clubs played on November 6, with Indiana prevailing, 152-111.
The Pacers (34-27) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, but their performance on Friday was embarrassing. They lost 129-102 against the New Orleans Pelicans, with the starters sitting most of the second half. Tyrese Haliburton actually went scoreless in that game and it's a testament to how poor they played throughout that blowout defeat. With that said, the Pacers won three of four games before that defeat, climbing up to eighth in the Eastern Conference. What this team really wants to do is avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting 0.5 games behind the Orlando Magic in sixth. They're also just 1.5 games behind the New York Knicks in fourth, so this club can definitely achieve that goal.
The Spurs (12-48) have been the worst team in the Western Conference, sitting four games behind the Portland Trail Blazers in 14th. The Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards have yet to reach 10 wins, meaning San Antonio will likely finish with the third-worst record in the NBA. The pieces are in play for this team to be successful in the future though because Victor Wembanyama has surpassed all of the loefty expectations he had at the beginning of the year. He's one of the best defensive players in his rookie season and is looking like one of the best players in the league. He might be the best player in the NBA as early as next season and it could reset this franchise for the next 20 years as long as he continues to improve.
These clubs played on November 6, with Indiana prevailing, 152-111.
Suns Host Thunder on Sunday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Footprint Center on Sunday.
The Thunder (41-18) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games. What's bizarre about that is that the one defeat was a loss against the San Antonio Spurs in their most recent outing. That's one of the worst teams in the NBA, but Victor Wembanyama can handle any team with the way he's looked at times this season. In any case, a blip on the radar is nothing to worry about when the waters are as clear as they are in OKC. The recent winning streak has the Thunder sitting second in the Western Conference, just 0.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are within three games as well and it'll be up to those four teams to decide who has homecourt advantage the deepest into the postseason.
The Suns (35-25) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning 16 of their last 23 games. That's the form we've been wanting to see from this club all year, and it's moved Phoenix up to fifth in the west. They're tied with the New Orleans Pelicans and are only one game up on the Sacramento Kings in seventh. That means this team has some work to do to avoid the Play-In Tournament because there are five other teams within three games as well. Many people believe that Phoenix has the most talented roster of that group, but a small winning streak could make things difficult come April.
These teams played on November 12, with Oklahoma City prevailing, 111-99.
The Thunder (41-18) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games. What's bizarre about that is that the one defeat was a loss against the San Antonio Spurs in their most recent outing. That's one of the worst teams in the NBA, but Victor Wembanyama can handle any team with the way he's looked at times this season. In any case, a blip on the radar is nothing to worry about when the waters are as clear as they are in OKC. The recent winning streak has the Thunder sitting second in the Western Conference, just 0.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are within three games as well and it'll be up to those four teams to decide who has homecourt advantage the deepest into the postseason.
The Suns (35-25) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning 16 of their last 23 games. That's the form we've been wanting to see from this club all year, and it's moved Phoenix up to fifth in the west. They're tied with the New Orleans Pelicans and are only one game up on the Sacramento Kings in seventh. That means this team has some work to do to avoid the Play-In Tournament because there are five other teams within three games as well. Many people believe that Phoenix has the most talented roster of that group, but a small winning streak could make things difficult come April.
These teams played on November 12, with Oklahoma City prevailing, 111-99.